Exploring contemplative prayer

For Lent 2023, five sessions led by the different bishops of London diocese, exploring ancient ways of Christian prayer that are still relevant today and can help us spend time in the presence of God.

These are online sessions which we will watch and take part in together in St Peter’s Church. Sessions take place on Wednesdays evenings during Lent, from 8pm to 9 pm, on the following dates:

• 1st March, The Examen
• 8th March, Lectio Divina
• 15th March, Centring Prayer
• 22nd March, Imaginative Contemplation
• 29th March, Visio Divina (Praying with Pictures)

The evening will be opened and closed with a short liturgy by one of our Bishops. The prayer practice will be introduced by different contributors. and we will have a go at the practice together.

Contributors

Martin Carr is Operations and Finance Manager at St Paul’s and St Cyprian’s churches in Marylebone, Vice Principal of the St Edmund’s Courses, a Licensed Lay Minister at All Hallows by the Tower, and joint Area lead on Creation Care in the Two Cities Area.

Catherine Armstrong is advisor for prayer and spirituality for the Bishop of Stepney, a spiritual director and retreat leader. She has an MA in Christian spirituality where she was introduced to Lectio Divina which she now uses as part of her prayer life.

Mthr Mitzi James is curate at Hornsey Parish Church and Chaplain to the local YMCA hostel and charity. Before being ordained in 2020, she worked in local government and a variety of roles in the charitable sector.

Revd Dr Ayla Lepine is the Associate Rector at St James’s Piccadilly in London. She has a background in art, architectural history and theology and has lectured and published across the globe. From 2021-22 she was Ahmanson Fellow in Religion and Art at the National Gallery in London.